How to Clean a Neon Sign

Nice Neon in California

Inside a neon sign for repairs

Neon signs are a timeless and attractive way to draw attention to a business or brand. However, over time, dirt, dust, and other debris can accumulate, making your sign look less than its best. It’s essential to keep neon signs clean not only for aesthetic reasons but also for their longevity. But how does one go about cleaning a neon sign? In this blog post, we’ll explore the process of cleaning an exterior neon sign and share tips that will help keep your neon sign sparkling and bright for years to come.

⚠️ CAUTION: Aged Neon is Fragile Neon tubes that have been exposed to the sun for years can become brittle. If you feel any resistance when removing tie-backs, stop immediately. Breaking a tube releases the gas and requires a full re-fabrication. If you are unsure, call a professional.

Step 1: De-energize and Lock-Out
The first step in cleaning a neon sign is to de-energize the circuit and put a lock-out tag on the breaker. Neon is a high-voltage product that can be dangerous, so this step is crucial for your safety. Ensure that the breaker box is locked out and tagged, to avoid any accidents.

Step 2: Open Faces and Inspect
Next, you need to open the faces to get access to the neon and set the faces aside for cleaning later. Once the face is removed, inspect the neon sign for any cracks, fractures or burnt electrodes. You might have to pull back the boots (the protective sheathing attached to the neon tube) for a full electrode inspection, but when you do, remove the GTO connections and inspect the GTO as well. Any defects found will indicate a need for service.

Step 3: Remove Tiebacks and clean neon
The next step is to remove the tiebacks and pull the neon from the can. Lay the neon face flat on a service avoiding any high spots as that may cause cracking. Take a microfiber towel with deionized water and clean the neon. The DI water prevents spots and is super helpful when working in the field.

Step 4: Clean the Cans and Faces
While the neon is out, clean the cans and faces with a non-abrasive mild detergent. Abrasives will ruin your face. A clean face and can will make sure everything is shining bright. Any dullness on the surface of the neon’s can or letters can detract from the overall effect of the sign.

Step 5: Put It Back Together
Once cleaned, carefully reattach the neon tubes to their supports. You will likely need new tie-back wire for this step—we strongly recommend using copper wire. Unlike steel, copper resists corrosion and will not rust or leave unsightly marks on the glass tubes over time. Finally, perform a thorough visual inspection to verify everything is secure before removing your lock-out tag and turning the power back on.

Conclusion:
There you have it! Cleaning your neon sign is a vital step in its maintenance and upkeep. If you’re not comfortable cleaning your sign yourself, consider hiring a professional. They have the equipment and expertise to carry out the job efficiently and with minimal risks. By cleaning your sign regularly, you’ll be ensuring its longevity and making sure that it continues to shine and be an attractive and functional advert for your business or brand. So next time you’re walking down the street and see a neon sign, remember, there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye, and its shine comes from a lot of work!

Ideally, leave it to the pros. Neon cleaning is risky. One slip can turn a regular cleaning job into a costly repair. If you’d rather not risk it, Innovative Sign Systems offers affordable sign maintenance plans for businesses in Vista, Carlsbad, and Greater San Diego.